Maria Lane

Maria Lane is a Professor of Geography and Environmental Studies and currently serves as the Dean of Graduate Studies at the University of New Mexico (UNM). She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Austin, Texas. Her research focuses on historical geography, environmental knowledge systems, and colonialism, with a particular emphasis on the American Southwest, the Caribbean, and the arid landscapes of Mars. Lane explores how maps, science, and narratives shape understandings of human-environment relationships, particularly in colonial contexts.

• Education: Ph.D., University of Austin, Texas
• Affiliations: Dean of Graduate Studies, UNM; Convener of the Standing Committee of the International Conference of Historical Geographers; Past Director of the R.H. Mallory Center for Community Geography.

Her research interests include the history of cartography, legal geography, and the intersection of science and colonialism. She critiques the settler colonial legacy in academia and advocates for ethical scholarly practices. Lane’s work spans interdisciplinary approaches, integrating historical analysis with contemporary issues in environmental policy and Indigenous rights.

Her recent publications address geographies of outer space, water resource management in colonial contexts, and the historical representation of Mars. She emphasizes the role of geography in addressing systemic inequalities rooted in colonial histories.

Not currently accepting students, Lane encourages inquiries into other faculty in the UNM Geography & Environmental Studies department. Her leadership roles reflect her commitment to institutional governance and advancing academic excellence in graduate education.